Display device



May 15, 1962 H. W. KA DELL DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Sept. 2l, 1959 www ,IWIWMIJ ILHA Q? whim/ Ww @Wan/ze United States Patent Office Patented Mayl5, lfdE nois Filed Sept. 21, 1959, Ser. No. 341,160 12 Claims. (Cl.M18- 223) This invention relates generally to advertising displaydevices and more particularly, to a novel construction for such adisplay device which enables same to be readily installed and replacedas a unit without disturbing the operating components thereof.

Although not necessarily limited thereto, the invention is especiallyuseful for installation or support of the operating components of alight flashing system intended for use in advertising products. Such asystem is described and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No.833,015, led August 11, 1959 for the invention entitled Light FlashingDevice. The invention of said copending application contemplated acompact, economical electrical circuit for attracting the attention of apurchaser in a retail establishment to a product by means of flashinglights. Thus, the light flashing device of said application wasespecially eifective for use in large stores, for instance, where thereare a myriad of products on display and the competition between productsfor the attention of buyers is strong. In order to retain theeffectiveness of such an advertising display device, it is desirable tofrequently change the character of the stimulus to which the customersof the retail establishment are subjected by the device, such as thecolor or the size or configuration of the area illuminated by theflashing light. It is also desirable to enable such change orreplacement of the device Without disturbing the electrical componentsof the flashing system. Also, where repair of the device is required, itis desirable that the display device can be easily and rapidly removedfrom its installation and re-installed after repairs are completed.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide adisplay device .of the character described which is characterized by aconstruction enabling the foregoing and other objects, as well, to beachieved.

In self-service retail establishments, such as so-called super-markets,products are displayed in open racks or bins suitably arranged to permitcustomers to pass in front of the racks and examine the products.Ordinarily, such racks or bins carry price card rails in the form ofchannel members in which the price cards showing prices of the productsare conveniently disposed. It is an important object of the invention toprovide a display device of `the character described having novel meansfor removably mounting the device to such channel members without usingadditional mechanical fasteners or any tools, said mounting meanspermitting installation and removal of the device as a unit rapidly andconveniently.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display device of thecharacter described in which said mounting means comprises a togglemechanism including channel engaging fingers adapted to frictionallyengage against inner surfaces of a channel member to rigidiy and tightlysecure the display device in operative position.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display device asdescribed in which said mounting means includes novel nger grip meansfor operating the toggle mechanism with a minimum of effort and skill.

Another object of the invention is to provide a display device of thecharacter described having such novel mounting means therefor which areeconomical to manufacture and install on the device, which are simpleand convenient to operate both Afor installing and removing the displaydevice, and which are sturdy and provide for an eicient and stablemounting of the display device on such conventional channel members.

The foregoing and other objects of the invention will become apparent asthe description thereof evolves, in connection with which a preferredembodiment has been described in detail and illustrated in theaccompanying drawing. Minor variations in the size, arrangement,construction and proportions of the several parts thereof may occur tothe skilled artisan without departing from the spirit or sacrificing anyof the advantages of the invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. l is a perspective View of the display device embodying theinvention installed on a price rail in the form of a channel member suchas commonly used in stores, the hands shown in phantom outlineillustrating how the display device is conveniently handled both forinstalling and removing same without using any tools.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the device installed,portions being sectioned to illustrate the mounting means engaged in thechannel member.

FEG. 3 is a fragmentary top plan view of the device showing a modifiedform of the mounting means.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken through said device alongthe line 4 4 of FIG. 2 and in the direction indicated generally.

Referring now to the drawing, the display device embodying the inventionis designated generally by the reference character 26. As seen in FIG.l, the device 2d has been installed in association with a channel member22 such as is commonly used in super-markets or other self-serviceretail establishments for holding a price carrying card 2d.Conventionally, the channel member 22 is formed of metal, such asaluminum, and is attached to a forwardly facing surface of a rack or bindesignated generally 26 with the channel formation thereof openingoutwardly. It is intended that the bin 26 and channel member 22 beconsidered conventional structure so that the precise constructiontherefor and the manner in which the channel member is mounted to thestorage bin are immaterial to the invention.

The device 2d includes a housing or enclosure 23 the exact size andconfiguration of which may vary within vwide limits. Said housing may beformed as an integral molded member of any one of a large number ofsuitable materials, such `as synthetic resins, a lightweight metal, suchas aluminum and the like. As illustrated, the housing comprises a hollowshell having a central portion 3c of substantially rectangularconfiguration and a pair of oppositely extending wing portions 3l. rIhehousing may be formed with its rear end open. The front face 32 of thecentral portion 30 may have a window 33 of translucent or transparentmaterial. The operating components of the device 2u are contained in theinterior of the housing, and in the case of a light nashing system, asuitable source of illumination would be provided in the body portion3%. As a light lflashing device, the source of power may be provided lbybatteries retained in the housing or from a source of power exterior ofthe housing connected `by electrical cord C to the device.

The rear of the housing is closed off by a suitably shaped closure plate34- -which also provides a support surface for the mounting means of thedevice. Said closure plate may be accommodated in suitable .groovesprovided in the flange 35 surrounding the open rear end of the housingor other suitable means for removably installing the closure plate may'be employed. yIt is preferred that the plate d4 be removable to permitconvenient access to the interior of the housing for servicing of theoperating components of the device.

The mounting means for the device comprises a novel toggle arrangementwhich includes a pair of elongate arms or bars 36 and 3S preferablyformed of thin gauge sheet metal. In the embodiment of FlG. 2, bars 36and 3S are separably connected together at their ends 39 and 40respectively by a locking screw 41 for locking the bars against pivotalmovement. One of said ends may have a slot 41' arranged longitudinallyto permit convenient adjustment in the locking screw 41 position 4fordifferent widths of channel members 22. It is contemplated that arecessed head screw or some such similar screw be used to deterinadvertent removal of the device after it is installed. At theiropposite ends, each arm has a cross-finger 42 of substantiallyrectangular conguration rigidly secured Substantially perpendicular tothe bar by Welding, riveting or the like. The bar 36 (see FIG. 4) ispivotally attached to the closure plate by means of the short bolt 43and suitable nut washer, as indicated. The bar 38 is likewise attachedto the closure plate. Each linger 42 has a transverse medial bend 44opening outwardly for countersinking of the head 45 of the bolt topermit the bolt head to clear the connecting web 46 of channel member 22when the device is installed.

The arms or bars 36 and 38 are conjoined intermediate their ends by acoil spring 47. Each bar 36 and 38 has an extension 48 extendinglaterally outward in directions opposite one another, the extremity ofthe extension 4S being upwardly curved to provide a finger grip 49. Theinner extremities of the extensions 48 may be provided With suitableopenings 50 in which the ends of the coil Spring 47 may be removablyengaged.

The length of each iinger 42 between opposite edges S0 thereof is lessthan the width of the channel in member Z2, but the distance betweenopposite corners thereof is greater than the channel width. To installthe device, the locking screw 41 is removed `and the device is held byits wing portions 31 as shown in phantom outline in FIG. l and eachfinger grip 49 is engaged with a thumb of a hand. The finger grips 49are then spread away from one another against the bias of spring 47permitting the bars or arms 36 and 38 to pivot relative to the clo- Sureplate 34 and enable the cross-fingers 42 to be slid into the channelmember 22. When the finger grips 49 are then released, the normal `biasof spring 47 will draw the arms 36 and 3S toward one another. Thisaction will cause the sharp corners 51 of the cross-iingers 42 to biteinto the underside of the opposite flanges 52 of the channel 22 andwedgingly engage the device 2t) in the channel. The normal bias ofspring 47 will keep the fingers 42 thus engaged with franges 52 andprevent the device from becoming dislodged therefrom. To deter tamperingwith the device, the screw 41 can be replaced and tightened so that thearms 36 and 38 cannot be pivoted one relative the other to disengage thecross-fingers 42 from channel 22.

To replace the device 20 as a unit is a very simple procedure since onlythe screw 41 need be loosened and the finger grips 49 spread apart tomove the arms to permit the cross-lingers 42 to be withdrawn from thechannel 22. This is possible because the ngers 42 each are moved in adirection withdrawing corners 51 from engagement with the channellianges 52.

Referring to FIG. 3, the modified form of the device 60 illustratedcontemplates a mounting means somewhat different from that shown inconnection with the device 20. In all other respects, however, thedevices 60 and 20 are substantially identical. The mounting means of thedevice 6i) includes a pair of arms or bars which are foreshorted so thatthey have no pivotal connection at their ends such as illustrated forthe device 20 in FIG. 2. The finger grips 49 on extension 48 are thesame however. Thus the device 60 is operative in the same man- 11er asdevice 2t) with the exception of the locking means for the arms or barsrepresented by tightening screw 41 of device 20.

Although both of the devices 20 and 60 have been described as having thepivotal arm or bar arrangement for both members of the toggle mechanism,it may be understood that only one of the arms can be pivotallyinstalled While the other is maintained immovable relative the closureplate 34. Thus, for installation in the channel member 22, the movablebar or arm can be manipulated to be inserted first in the channel andthereafter, the second bar can be inserted. The same will be pos- Sibiewhen it is desired to remove the device. Also, the arms 36 and 38 may beformed as integral members stamped to shape to provide the lingerformations 42.

An actual embodiment of the invention was found to be extremely sturdyand rigid in its installation notwithstanding that the toggle mechanismforming the mounting means of the device were made of relativelythingauge sheet metal. The sharp corners 51 of the crosslingers biteinto the metal of the channel member 22 and the tension member 47connecting the arms of the toggle maintain the engagement of thecross-lingers 42 in the channel 22 rigid. 'Ihe device is removable fromthe channel only after the arms or bars are spread apart by means of thefinger grips 49 or 49 to change the spatial relationship between thecross-fingers and the channel to permit withdrawal of the former.

It is contemplated that minor variations in the construction may occurto the skilled artisan without departing from the invention. Forinstance, it may be possible to dispense with the extensions 48 and 48providing the finger grips and merely connect the spring 47 to the armsor bars in suitable openings therein. To remove the device, the operatormerely reaches behind the installed device and disengages one end of thespring from the hole in Which engaged thereby freeing the arms or barsfor pivotal movement one relative the other. Also, some other manner offinger grip means may be provided so long as it enables selectivemovement of the toggle arms as contemplated by the invention.

The invention has been deiined in the claims in language intended to bebroadly construed commensurate with the improvement in the arts andsciences contributed thereby.

What it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. In a display device of the character described adapted to be mountedin the groove of a channel member, including a display member, means forremovably securing the device to said channel member comprising, a pairof arms secured to the rear of the display member, each arm having meansadapted to be removably engaged in the groove of the channel member atspaced locations therealong, at least one of the arms being arranged forlimited rotation relative to the display member to enable installationor removal thereof without dismantling of the device, both of said armsbeing biased to rotate in a direction locking said last mentioned meansin said channel member.

2. A display device as described in claim l in which said arms havelinger means for manually moving the same against the said bias forremoving the device.

3. A display device as described in claim 1 in which said last mentionedmeans comprise enlarged formations at ends of said arms capable offrictionally engaging against interior surfaces of the channel member.

4. A display device as described in claim 1 in which said arms havemeans for releasably locking same together to prevent the movement ofsaid arms.

5. In a display device of the character described adapted to be mountedin the groove of the channel member, including a display member, meansfor removably securing the device to said channel member comprising, apair of arms secured to the rear of the display member, each arm havingmeans adapted to be removably engaged in the groove of the channelmember at spaced locations therealong, at least one of the arms beingarranged for limited rotation relative to the display member to enableinstallation or removal thereof Without dismantling of the device, and atension member connecting said arms normally biasing said last mentionedmeans in a direction for locking same in place in said groove.

6. 'In a display device of the character described adapted to be mountedin the groove of a single channel member, a 'hollow enclosure having anopen end, closure means releasably secured over said open end, andmounting ymeans rigidly supported on said closure means for installingthe device supported in said channel member, said means comprising atoggle device adapted to be removably engaged on the interior of thechannel member for holding the device installed, said toggle deviceincluding, a pair of elongate members arrangedsubstantially parallelWith said closure means, said elongate members having cross members atends thereof adapted to be frictionally engaged with interior surfacesof the channel member for holding the display device installed.

7. A display device as described in claim 6 in which said toggle deviceincludes a pair of elongate members arranged substantially parallel withsaid closure means, said elongate members having cross-members at endsthereof adapted to be frictionally engaged With interior surfaces of thechannel member for holding the device installed.

8. In a display device of the character described adapted to be mountedin the groove of a channel member, a hollow enclosure having an openend, closure means releasably secured over said open end, and mountingmeans supported on said closure means for installing the devicesupported in said channel member, said means comprising a toggle deviceadapted to be removably engaged on the interior of the channel memberfor holding the device installed, said toggle device including a pair ofelongate members arranged substantially parallel with said closuremeans, said elongate members having cross-members at` ends thereofadapted to be frictionally engaged with interior surfaces of the channelmember for holding the device installed, said elongate members beingconjoined intermediate respective ends thereof by a tension membernormally retaining said cross members in said frietionally engagedposition.

9. A display device as described in claim 8 in which said elongatemembers have manually operable means for withdrawing said cross-membersfrom frictional engagement with the channel to permit removal of thedevice as a unit.

10. A display device as described in claim 8 in which said tensionmember is removably connected with said elongate members for permittingremoval of the device from the channel member as a unit.

11. A display device adapted to be removably installed in the groove ofa channel member comprising, a display member, means at the rear of thedisplay member for installing the device comprising, a pair of rotatablearms respectively having means adapted to be removably engaged in thechannel member, said arms being resiliently conjoined and having meansfor manually rotating same to permit said channel engaging means to beWithdrawn from the channel.

12. In a display device of the character described adapted to be mountedin the groove of a single channel member, including a display member,means for removably securing the device to said channel membercornprising, a pair of elongate arms iixedly secured to the rear of thedisplay member, each arm having means adapted to be removably engaged inthe groove of said single channel member at spaced locations therealong,at least `one arm being mounted under tension to permit limited rotationthereof relative to the display member to enable installation or removalthereof Without separating the arms from the display device, said onearm being normally biased by said tension to rotate in a directionlocking same in said channel.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 619,416Hunter Feb. `14, 1899 619,417 Hunter Feb. 14, 1899 1,153,320 KlenckSept. 14, l1915 1,409,800 Turner Mar. 14, 1922 2,899,167 Elsner July 12,1956

